Shattered

Chapter 9: What Do You Feel?

Mark stayed in the kitchen. He wanted to pace but then again he knew someone would ask him WHY he was pacing and he didn't want to answer.

In truth, Mark was hurting. 

Yeah, he was always the goofy and japing kind of guy. Never all too serious always with a smile on his face. Or a joke on his lips.

But this . . . .

There was nothing to joke about with this.

He was scared.

This was just like when Celine-

"Hey Mark?"

He looked over to see Sean watching him.

"Yeah?"

"What's wrong? I mean . . . besides the obvious?"

Mark snorted, cracking a small smile at the irony, "I uh . . . . I really don't wanna talk about it, Sean"

"Oh . . . sorry. I didn't mean-"

"I mean Mira was one of my best creations besides Dark! I really LOVED the way she came together as a person!  . . .I don't want her to die, Sean" a tear ran down his cheek, "I treated her so  . . ..  delicately . . . . pushed her away. It wasn't fair"

"It's not your fault, kid" Illinois butt in, "Sorry, but I overheard.  . . . we ALL treated her bad. I wish I had spoken to her more, you know? And I know since this, a lot of the other Ipliers feel the same"

"Really?" Jackie stepped closer to the conversion, "But I thought they all hated her?"

"Feared her" Google corrected, "Probability of her instability was high . . . . until Antisepticeye intervened in her life"

Mark smiled, "I suppose they were always perfect for each other. Both stubborn and ruthless"

Sean snickered, "Calms Anti down for sure. I think Mira's been happier, you know. From what I've seen, at least"

"As has Anti" Illinois smirked, "He was absolutely struck by her the very day they met, I believe"

"How would you know, Illy?" Mark rolled his eyes, "You weren't created yet at the time"

He shrugged, "Doesn't matter if I was there or not. You can see it."

"Mark" Chase drew his attention this time, "Before . . . you DID seem worried. What's REALLY bugging ya, dude?"

Mark took a drink of water, " . . . . . Celine . . . . I based Mira off of her somewhat. Without the magic, of course." he paused, thinking about his own words, "But she is far more powerful. . . . I was always afraid of her. Kept her at a distance. And if you must know, I'm terrified I'll never get the chance to apologize to her."

Everyone stayed quiet, not really sure of what to say.

Even Actor didn't say a word. He was the only one in that room of sound mind besides Mark who KNEW Celine. Only he knew what it meant for Mira to be even remotely like Celine. Besides, of course, for the obvious huge difference of her being a sibling unlike Celine was.

It was more . . . strange.

Actor had never met Mira and suddenly something bubbled inside of him. Celine WAS his wife, after all. Yeah, he tried to kill her and Damien a long time ago but many things have changed since then.

"It's alright, Mark" Jackie intercepted on all of their thoughts, "I only met Mira a few times . . . . but if she's anything, it's stubborn. Nothing will keep her contained. She's stronger . .  and far more fierce than to just give up without a fight." he felt his jaw and stomach, remembering how hard she could hit.